by Beth Carter
Suzy held up a hand. “Seriously, Alex. I did press the emergency button. Nothing happened. I didn’t have a cell signal, and I thought it would be fine to go alone to the doctor since I have many times before.” She grinned. “I’m a big girl, though, it didn’t feel like it when I writhed on the floor during contractions.”
Alex wrinkled her nose. “You were on that nasty floor? Don’t you know everyone has filth and urine on the bottom of their shoes?”
Playfully elbowing Alex, Hope said, “Suzy doesn’t have your OCD issues, plus, being trapped with contractions trumps dirt.”
Suzy blew out her breath. “Dirt was the last thing on my mind.”
Alex held up both hands. “Okay, okay. If I’m ever pregnant—which I won’t be—I’ll try not to worry about dirt.” She turned toward Suzy. “So, how did you get out of the elevator?”
“Someone heard me screaming and called the Crystal City Fire Department. They were incredible and got the doors wedged open in no time.”
“And you didn’t think to call us when you had sexy firefighters in your midst?” Alex chided.
“Ha ha. Thanks for your concern. Besides, you’re into cops—and limo drivers.”
Hope winked. “She’s into anything in a uniform, remember?”
“Hey. You’re supposed to be my friends. Seriously, are you okay, Suzy Q?” Alex rubbed her friend’s arm. “You scared us to death.”
“I’m fine.” Suzy reached for Ken’s hand. “We’re all fine.”
Cheri stared toward the twin bassinets. “Mind if I take a peek?”
Chapter 25
Ken held up his phone. “Jon texted. They want to Skype.”
Suzy beamed. “I hear the babies. Will you bring them over?” She stroked the heads of both twins. “Who wants to Skype? Jon and Fernando?”
Glancing back at his phone, Ken said, “Everyone. The whole crazy Italian bunch.”
“Ken.”
“Well, they are. Remember Jon and Fernando’s wedding and how Mama Gia and her sons destroyed your menu, brought hordes of food, sloshed half of the marinara on the white tablecloth.” Ken shook his head.
“Oh, I remember every bit of it.” She laughed. “It’s kind of funny now but wasn’t at all at the time. Text him back and tell him we’re ready. Did you bring your iPad?”
Glancing at his jacket slung over the chair, Ken spotted his tablet. “Yep. Got it. I’m texting him now.”
After a buzz indicated an incoming Skype call, Suzy positioned both babies on either side of her, and beamed as Ken positioned his iPad in front of her. “Hello, Italian family. Thanks for calling.”
Fernando’s three brothers shouted, “Mama Mia,” “Fantastico,” and “Bravo.” Jon said, “Hi, Mom. Congratulations to you and Ken. What are their names?”
Suzy’s smile nearly reached her ears. “Hi, sweetheart.” Just as quickly, her eyes rimmed with tears. “I miss you—all of you.” Brightening, she said, Meet your brother and sister, Maggie and Matthew.”
Ken stood beside the bed and peered into the screen. “Hi, everyone. Thanks for the well wishes. We’re thrilled.”
Fernando’s Italian family continued to talk over one another, as Mama Gia, Fernando, and Jon crowded around the screen. Fernando’s three brothers leaned in so close Suzy could see up Luigi’s nose. Mama Gia thumped him on the head. “Sit back, son. We all want to see.” Vinny peered forward, getting another thump from Mama Gia. She turned to Franco. “Are you a quick learner or should I smack you now?” Frankie covered his head with both hands. “I ain’t doin’ nuttin’.”
Smiling sweetly, Mama Gia wriggled her way to the middle of the screen. She squinted. “Grazie.” Squealing, she said, “Due bambini! A bambina and bambino. Congratulations, Nonna Suzy.” Mama Gia leaned in so close her red lipstick apparently smudged the screen.
“Ma.” Vinny took his elbow, wiped at the lipstick, making it smear. “Give that to me.” Luigi grabbed the iPad, took the tail of his shirt, and wiped some more. Suzy bit her lip to keep from laughing. She caught her son in the background as he rolled his eyes.
After the screen was cleaned up, Suzy said, “I want to see baby Violet too. I miss her terribly.” She craned around the six dark heads on the screen as she looked for ginger-haired Vanessa and Violet. “Are they there?”
A small voice in the back said, “We’re here, Suzy. Congrats on the twins.” Vanessa held Violet in the air as Mama Gia shoved her sons aside. “Go.”
“Ma.”
“Ow.”
But they moved over as Violet’s gorgeous eyes and red curls filled the screen. Suzy choked back tears. “She’s grown so much. Look at her ringlets. She’s beautiful.” Suzy blew her a kiss. “Hi, Violet. This is your grandma. I love you.”
Jon reached for his daughter as Fernando kissed the one-year-old’s cheek. Suzy peered at the screen. “Jon, when are you coming back to the states? Please tell me you’re coming home soon.”
Jon and Fernando exchanged glances. Vanessa wasn’t smiling. Silence filled the uncomfortable void.
Suzy’s voice rose. “How much longer are you staying?” In spite of trying to hold herself together, a tear slid down her cheek.
“Mom, I—We miss you too. Fernando and I took a job giving tours. Imagine that. I’m an American talking about Italian history. I especially enjoy the Colosseum in Rome.” He winked at his husband. “I can chat about the history, but to be honest, I mostly drive while Fernando does the talking.”
Suzy studied her son’s face, as if for a more detailed answer. “For how long?”
“We signed a nine-month contract, Mama Suzy,” Fernando said. “Sorry, but we needed income and they wouldn’t hire us otherwise. We negotiated down from a year-long contract.”
Suzy glanced at Ken who was quiet except for an occasional nod. “What about you, Vanessa?”
Mama Gia chimed in. “I watch baby Violet while Vanessa dates and has new job. She really take to me. I’m her Nonna.”
Groaning inwardly which accidentally became an outward sound, Suzy sniffed back tears. I’m her grandmother too. “I’m sure you’re a wonderful babysitter, Mama Gia.”
The boys’ mother brightened. “I teach Violet some Italian when she older. Maybe we all come visit next year—or you come to Europe when twins are older. Would be magnifico.”
Suzy nodded. “That sounds nice. I’m so happy you called. I’ve missed seeing your sweet faces.”
Maggie wailed.
Ken reached for her as Matthew howled. He leaned in front of the screen and waved. “Good to see you all. Better go for now. The babies need us.”
Suzy blew a kiss toward her grown son and granddaughter. “I love you. Bye for now.”
“Ciao, Mom.” Everyone chorused “Ciao” as the screen faded.
Ken handed Suzy both babies. “They’ll cheer you up in no time, babe.” She sniffed and nodded as she rubbed their pink, pudgy arms. “Hello, babies. Welcome to the world. We love you already.”
Chapter 26
The week had dragged for Hope, but once she climbed into Tucker’s SUV, her heart raced with anticipation.
As he closed her door, he said, “I hope you’re ready for some fun.”
“You make every day fun.” She buckled her seatbelt. “Where are we going?”
“I heard about this fairly new bowling alley at Big Cedar. It’s supposed to feel like a giant aquarium inside.”
“That sounds cool. I’ve never been to Big Cedar.”
Tucker’s eyebrows shot up. “It’s been around for decades. I love the natural, rustic feel of the place.” As he drove, they chatted about their week. The hour’s drive went by quickly.
Once they stepped inside the complex, Hope’s eyes widened. A gazillion colorful, noisy arcades filled one room off the e
ntrance. She caught a glimpse of the spectacular bowling alley ahead.
After they rented bowling shoes, Tucker led her toward the lanes. Multi-colored fish, sea turtles, and giant sharks were suspended in mid-air. “This is incredible. It does look and feel like a giant aquarium.” She shivered as she stared at the aquatic animals suspended from the ceiling. “Let’s don’t get in the shark lane, though. It’s too realistic.” After they tried out several weights of bowling balls, they ordered margaritas, and took off their street shoes. Hope chuckled. “I’m lucky I don’t have a hole in my sock.”
Tucker snorted. “Make that two of us.”
She glanced around and observed a bowler two lanes over who got strike after strike. “Um, I’ve only bowled once in my life and that was over twenty years ago. I was terrible.” She grimaced. “You go first.”
Tucker held his ball in the air, approached the lane, bent down, and threw a perfect strike right down the middle. Grinning, he said, “You brought me luck.”
Hope attempted to study his style and follow his lead but she threw gutter ball after gutter ball. After Tucker got four strikes in a row, he began throwing gutter balls. “You’re just doing that.”
A crooked smile formed on his lips. “Why would I throw a game?”
Hope cocked her head sideways. “To make me look good.”
Tucker kissed the top of her hand. “You always look good—even though you can’t bowl for crap.”
“My pool playing is even worse.” She laughed. “I’ve never had so many adventures. I’ve done more with you than I normally do in six months.”
“We’ve got to change that. Do you live to work or work to live? That’s what I try to remember when I’m working too hard.”
“That’s a great life mantra.” Hope picked up her ball. “This one will be a strike. I know it.” The ball actually went down the middle of the lane, but at the last minute, curved and went into the gutter. “I almost hit a pin.” She held up her finger and thumb. “I was this close.”
“You sure were.” After one more game, Tucker removed his bowling shoes. “What do you want to do next? My vote is go-carts or shopping at the Branson Landing.”
“That’s easy. Go-carts. I’ve never been on one.” She glanced down at her body. “Think I’ll fit into those little cars?”
“If I do, you will easily.” Tucker returned their balls to the shelves and gave the clerk their bowling shoes. He reached for Hope’s hand. “Let’s rev some engines.”
Mine is already revved. This man is unlike any I’ve known.
~ ~ ~
After they rode go-carts around and around a wooden track filled with adults and kids, Hope got the hang of it. She put her pedal all the way to the floor and passed Tucker. Waving to him, she could tell her frizzy hair was getting out of control but didn’t care. I’ve never felt so alive.
She passed his car two more times and drove onto the go-cart exit ramp. Close behind, Tucker held his hands up in surrender. After he stepped out of his tiny car, he said, “I give. You won.” She stood on tiptoe and gave him a brisk, shy kiss on the mouth. Before he could reciprocate, she said, “I’m starving, are you?”
“Always.” Tucker led her to his vehicle. “What sounds good?”
“Mexican. Have you eaten at Maria’s Mexican in Crystal City? It’s my favorite and near my house. My dad and I eat there at least monthly unless he has a court case.”
“Say no more. I could eat an enchilada or taco every day.” They drove to Crystal City, exhausted from their outings but content. Tucker reached for her hand. “I hope you’re enjoying being with me as much as I enjoy being with you.”
She beamed as her stomach fluttered. “You have no idea.”
Chapter 27
A day after Suzy gave birth, Cheri shot off an email informing Clark Rigby she had taken his critical food review seriously and had rehired Chef Liam O’Leary. Typing quickly, she mentioned Chef O’Leary would be the head chef for Fifth Avenue Catering, starting immediately, and Julio reported to him.
She crossed her arms and read her email before hitting send. She knew the more she buttered the snooty food critic up and made him think he had the power to get her to make changes in her own catering business, the more likely he would give her another chance.
Swallowing her pride, she thanked him and requested he attend a future event catered by Fifth Avenue Catering. She resisted telling him all of that port he drank was giving him a paunch and she could recommend a good barber for his bad combover. Part of being a business owner was knowing when to kiss up. It didn’t matter that she was filthy rich. She still wanted to be a success on her own and had worked hard to build her celebrity clientele. Pretentious Clark Rigby wasn’t going to destroy it. Satisfied with her email, she hit send.
Chapter 28
After a flurry of weekend dates since Tucker had been on the road all week, Hope held up her fingers. “Let’s see we’ve been to the park, bowling, drove go-carts, where I won, by the way”—she winked—“attended a wine tasting, eaten a lot, played miniature golf, and watched several westerns and romantic comedies. Am I forgetting anything,” Hope asked, as she reached for Tucker’s hand. “I’ve never been so busy or had so much fun in my life. I think I’ve outdone Alex and Cheri for once.”
Tucker leaned against a bat. “And now we’re at the batting cages where you might outhit Hank Aaron.”
“Who?”
He chuckled. “Never mind. I can tell this isn’t your thing. How about we cut this outing short since you almost gave me a black eye with that last swing.”
Hope set her bat on the ground. “Sorry. I suck at this.”
“You can’t be perfect at everything.” Tucker winked. “How does Maria’s Mexican Restaurant sound? I know we just ate there but-”
“I could eat there daily. Mexican sounds better. Much better.” Hope wiped the dust off her jeans.
“Hey, at least you tried. I appreciate the effort.”
~ ~ ~
Between bites of chips, salsa, guacamole, and enchiladas, Hope grimaced. “Sorry about the batting cage incident. I’m the worst ball player ever.”
Tucker reached for a chip. “You just need practice.” He chuckled. “Maybe I should have worn a helmet.”
A server cleared their plates. “Someone was hungry. Care for anything else?” They both requested refills. While they waited for the server to return, Tucker leaned back. “Got any ideas for a new adventure?”
Hope paused. “Actually, yes. I’m not sure you’ll like it, though.”
He leaned forward. “I’m listening.”
She sipped on a fresh Diet Coke. “You might think it’s silly, but I would like to—You’re going to laugh. Never mind.”
“Nothing that comes out of your mouth is ever silly. I love being with you. Whatever it is, if you want to do it, so do I.”
A smile spread across Hope’s face. “Okay, I’ll sign us up at school tomorrow.”
“School?” His eyebrows shot up. “I don’t have to take a test, do I?”
“Nah, just dance. We’re going to be chaperones at Hilltop’s Homecoming next weekend.”
Tucker reached for her hand. “Do we get to dance or do we watch the kids have all the fun?”
“Oh, we’ll definitely dance. I’ve never gone to Hilltop’s Homecoming, nor prom before, since I never had a date. I’ve helped decorate, of course, and have brought food in, but attend the actual event and have fun? Nada.” Her face lit up. “I can’t tell you how excited I am. This will make up for all the school dances I missed.”
After they ate, Tucker dropped her off, mentioning he had a million chores before hitting the road again. Hope was always slightly relieved when he left early because, while she enjoyed every second of being with Tucker, she was concerned she hadn’t come c
lean about being a virgin. What if he thinks I’m weird? I’d like to ask my girlfriends but feel I owe it to him to reveal this shocker first. Plus, Alex would die laughing.
Deciding to keep their coupledom a secret—until they went public at Hilltop’s dance—Hope dealt with her secret alone.
Chapter 29
Cheri’s eyes bulged as Chef O’Leary spewed Irish curse words. He didn’t bother with a greeting. “The stupid gowl.”
“Who?”
“Julio. He’s an idiot. A stupid feck.”
Sighing, Cheri held her phone between her ear and shoulder as she poured a cup of coffee while her hot-tempered chef rattled off Irish phrases she didn’t understand. When Chef O’Leary took a breath, she asked, “What did Julio do exactly?”
“Besides bein’ an annoyin’ arse?” Chef O’Leary cackled. “Durin’ my first week, he had sex with the pastry chef.” He paused. “In the effin’ kitchen.”
“Oh, my God.” Cheri rubbed her forehead.
The chef raised his voice even higher. “It was total cac. He might as well have gicked on the effin’ food.” He chuckled. “That means shit on it.”
Cheri broke out in a sweat. Setting her coffee mug down, she hissed, “Put Julio on the phone right now.”
“I fired the imbecile. He’s gone for good.”
Chewing on her bottom lip, she said, “Good. I suppose we need a new pastry chef too.”
“Jaysus, she’s a looker.” Chef O’Leary heehawed. “She can stay.”
“No, if you fired Julio for having sex, you need to fire her as well. I hope you have someone in mind to fill her position. We have several events lined up.”
“Not a problem. I’m on it. This is my domain.” Chef O’Leary hung up before Cheri could say another word. Picturing Julio naked was no longer on her to-do list. It had been over ten years since he was their private family chef and she had a crush on him but he was the last man on her mind now.